10 Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining to Forklift Training

When it comes to training for these trucks, there are specific OSHA requirements that must be met. Below are some frequently asked questions related to forklift training.

1. What vehicles are considered to be powered industrial trucks?
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) defines a powered industrial truck as a mobile, power propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials. Powered industrial trucks, often called forklifts or lift trucks, can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator. Excluded from the OSHA standard are vehicles used for earth moving or over-the-road haulage.

2. How has OSHA changed its powered industrial truck standard?
Previously, the OSHA standards required that any trained operators could operate powered industrial trucks with just generic operator training. The new standard requires employers to develop a training program specific to the type of truck to be driven and the working conditions encountered. Employers must also evaluate the operator's performance in the workplace and certify that each operator has received the training needed.

3. What industries are covered by the new standard?
The new standards cover general industry, maritime and construction. The general industry standard is 1910.178(1).

4. Where can an operator obtain the training to become a certified forklift operator?
The employer is responsible for implementing a training program and ensuring that only trained drivers who have successfully completed the training program are allowed to operate powered industrial trucks. An evaluation of each trained operator must be conducted during the initial training, at least once every three years, and after refresher training. The training and evaluation may be conducted by the employer, if qualified, or an outside training organization. Shoppa's Mid America offers both OSHA compliant operator safety training and "Train the Trainer" programs. Operator safety training classes are offered once a month and are available on-demand at your location. Visit our website to learn more and see a schedule of upcoming classes.

5. What type of training is required?
The training must be a combination of formal (lecture, video, etc.) and practical (demonstration and practical exercises), and include an evaluation of operator performance in the workplace. Truck-related topics must be included, along with the requirements of the OSHA standard. The specific training topics are listed in the standard.

6. Who should conduct the training?
All training and evaluation must be conducted by a person with the necessary knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate their competency. This may be the employer, another employee, or other qualified person. The training and evaluation does not have to be conducted by a single individual, but can be done by several persons, provided each one is qualified.

7. Is refresher training required?
Refresher training is required when the operator has been observed driving unsafely, been involved in an accident or near-miss, received an evaluation that indicated unsafe operations, is assigned to drive a different type of truck, or if a workplace condition affecting safe operation changes. An operator evaluation is required after refresher training.

8. What does "certified" mean?
The employer must certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by the standard. The certification must include the name of the operator, the date of training, the date of evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.

9. Does an operator who has already been trained as a powered industrial truck operator have to be retrained under the new law?
If an operator has received training in a required topic and the training is appropriate to the truck and the working conditions encountered, additional training in that topic is not required if the operator has been evaluated and found competent.

10. Where can I get additional information about OSHA and the new standards?
For more information, contact your local or regional OSHA office or visit www.osha.gov. You can also contact Shoppa's Mid America today to get a free safety evaluation by one of our certified trainers.